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  • BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

LIVE: With e-bike crashes on the rise, St. Johns County commissioners consider hot-button safety ordinance proposal

CASEY DESANTIS


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Gov. DeSantis touts Florida’s education system at homeschool convention in Kissimmee

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis touts Florida’s education system at homeschool convention in Kissimmee

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will speak in Kissimmee on Friday at the Florida Parent Educators Association’s Annual Homeschool Convention.

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Prosecutors open investigation related to Hope Florida Foundation

Read full article: Prosecutors open investigation related to Hope Florida Foundation

Records related to a state House probe of a nonprofit linked to First Prosecutors have opened an investigation related to the Hope Florida Foundation, the nonprofit behind the welfare program that has been touted as the signature achievement of first lady Casey DeSantis.

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Gov. DeSantis announces Hope Florida partnership with 21 local workforce boards to help Floridians find jobs

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis announces Hope Florida partnership with 21 local workforce boards to help Floridians find jobs

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference alongside First Lady Casey DeSantis in Tampa Tuesday morning.

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LIVE: Gov. DeSantis and First Lady hold roundtable in Hillsborough County

Read full article: LIVE: Gov. DeSantis and First Lady hold roundtable in Hillsborough County

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis will hold a roundtable discussion in Hillsborough County Wednesday morning.

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Politics & Power: DeSantis’ political future in jeopardy? And a rollback on civil rights protections

Read full article: Politics & Power: DeSantis’ political future in jeopardy? And a rollback on civil rights protections

Political analyst Daniel Cronrath joins News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton to discuss the political future of Ron and Casey DeSantis and the Trump administration's "unraveling" of civil rights protections on this week’s episode of Politics & Power.

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A legislative session like no other: Key issues that didn’t go in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ favor

Read full article: A legislative session like no other: Key issues that didn’t go in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ favor

For six years, Gov. Ron DeSantis had a firm grasp on Florida’s legislature. In his second-to-last legislative session, that is not the case.

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Gov. DeSantis, first lady announce new pilot program to identify, train Hope Florida liaisons at select school districts

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, first lady announce new pilot program to identify, train Hope Florida liaisons at select school districts

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis will hold a press conference in Fruitland Park on Wednesday.

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Hope Florida: A timeline of how a DeSantis-backed state charity was accused of wrongdoing

Read full article: Hope Florida: A timeline of how a DeSantis-backed state charity was accused of wrongdoing

Scrutiny of a welfare program that is the signature initiative of Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is threatening to undermine a potential run to succeed her husband as governor, as well as his own presidential ambitions.

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Could the Hope Florida controversy impact Casey DeSantis’ potential run for governor? A political analyst weighs in

Read full article: Could the Hope Florida controversy impact Casey DeSantis’ potential run for governor? A political analyst weighs in

As Governor Ron DeSantis continued to push back on Thursday against criticism surrounding a $10 million donation to Hope Florida, a charity led by his wife, Casey DeSantis, a political analyst weighed in on whether this could affect her gubernatorial chances if she chooses to enter the 2026 race.

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Gov. DeSantis, first lady continue to tout Hope Florida amid controversy over $10M donation

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, first lady continue to tout Hope Florida amid controversy over $10M donation

On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed back against a new report that said last year’s $10 million donation to Hope Florida, a charity spearheaded by his wife Casey DeSantis, was part of a Medicaid settlement that owed millions of dollars to state and federal taxpayers.

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DeSantis: Report that says $10M donation to Hope Florida came from Medicaid settlement was ‘fabricated’

Read full article: DeSantis: Report that says $10M donation to Hope Florida came from Medicaid settlement was ‘fabricated’

On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed back against a new report that said last year’s $10 million donation to Hope Florida, a charity spearheaded by his wife Casey DeSantis, was part of a Medicaid settlement that owed millions of dollars to state and federal taxpayers.

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Hope Florida board meeting ends abruptly after stream hijacked by porn, racist images

Read full article: Hope Florida board meeting ends abruptly after stream hijacked by porn, racist images

The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath Tuesday that “mistakes were made” with the foundation’s record-kee

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Hope Florida board meeting ends abruptly after stream hijacked by porn, racist images

Read full article: Hope Florida board meeting ends abruptly after stream hijacked by porn, racist images

The Hope Florida Board of Directors meeting ended abruptly on Thursday after the stream was hijacked with pornographic and racist images during public comment.

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Hope Florida chairman says ‘mistakes were made’ with record-keeping amid probe into $10M donation

Read full article: Hope Florida chairman says ‘mistakes were made’ with record-keeping amid probe into $10M donation

The chairman of a foundation tied to Hope Florida — First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program — said under oath Tuesday that “mistakes were made” with the foundation’s record-kee

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Gov. DeSantis defends wife Casey amid scrutiny over $10M payment to Hope Florida Foundation

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis defends wife Casey amid scrutiny over $10M payment to Hope Florida Foundation

Governor Ron DeSantis defended the Hope Florida initiative and his wife, Casey DeSantis, amid growing criticism and a brewing scandal involving a $10 million donation.

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Byron Donalds secures $6 million from influential GOP donors in early fundraising for Florida governor’s race

Read full article: Byron Donalds secures $6 million from influential GOP donors in early fundraising for Florida governor’s race

Two of the Republican Party’s most influential donors—billionaires Richard Uihlein and Jeff Yass have backed Rep. Byron Donalds as the 2026 governor’s race begins to take shape.

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Gov. DeSantis, first lady announce partnership of Hope Florida program with all 67 sheriff’s offices

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, first lady announce partnership of Hope Florida program with all 67 sheriff’s offices

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis held a news conference in Tallahassee Tuesday morning to announce a new partnership between the Hope Florida program and all 67 sheriff’s offices across the state.

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DeSantis calls for legislation to permanently ban mRNA vaccine mandates, add vaccination status protections

Read full article: DeSantis calls for legislation to permanently ban mRNA vaccine mandates, add vaccination status protections

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon in Tampa.

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DeSantis and Trump priorities hold sway as Florida lawmakers begin legislative session

Read full article: DeSantis and Trump priorities hold sway as Florida lawmakers begin legislative session

Florida lawmakers have officially kicked off their 2025 legislative session.

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‘When you come to a fork in the road, take it’: Casey DeSantis addresses for the first time rumors she will run for Gov.

Read full article: ‘When you come to a fork in the road, take it’: Casey DeSantis addresses for the first time rumors she will run for Gov.

When asked directly about the rumors, Casey DeSantis offered a cryptic response.

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Things to know about Byron Donalds, Trump's pick to be Florida's next governor

Read full article: Things to know about Byron Donalds, Trump's pick to be Florida's next governor

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds says he’s running to be the next governor of Florida in 2026.

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Congressman Byron Donalds announces run for Florida governor with President Trump’s endorsement

Read full article: Congressman Byron Donalds announces run for Florida governor with President Trump’s endorsement

Congressman Byron Donalds has officially announced his candidacy for governor of Florida, becoming the first to declare his intention to run amid rumors that incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis' wife, Casey DeSantis, may also enter the race.

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As DeSantis talks up his wife as next Florida governor, here's what to know about Casey

Read full article: As DeSantis talks up his wife as next Florida governor, here's what to know about Casey

The aspirations of Florida’s first lady Casey DeSantis have long been a topic of discussion in Tallahassee.

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Ron DeSantis talks up his wife as next Florida governor and takes a shot at Trump's pick

Read full article: Ron DeSantis talks up his wife as next Florida governor and takes a shot at Trump's pick

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his term in office, he is talking up one potential heir to succeed him in 2026: his wife, Casey DeSantis.

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‘TOTAL WINNER’: Trump encourages Florida lawmaker Byron Donalds to run for governor in 2026

Read full article: ‘TOTAL WINNER’: Trump encourages Florida lawmaker Byron Donalds to run for governor in 2026

President Donald Trump has made his preference clear for Florida’s next governor by endorsing Rep. Byron Donalds in a Truth Social post.

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DeSantis helps unveil George Washington statue in rotunda of Florida Capitol

Read full article: DeSantis helps unveil George Washington statue in rotunda of Florida Capitol

Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a news conference at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Florida Capitol.

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Casey DeSantis has high favorability, name recognition when compared to possible 2026 Florida governor candidates: poll

Read full article: Casey DeSantis has high favorability, name recognition when compared to possible 2026 Florida governor candidates: poll

Does Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis have a real shot at following in her husband’s footsteps and becoming the next governor of the state?

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Politics & Power: Casey at bat for 2026? And what’s next for Gov. Ron DeSantis?

Read full article: Politics & Power: Casey at bat for 2026? And what’s next for Gov. Ron DeSantis?

Word is Casey DeSantis is seriously considering a run to succeed her husband as governor, which raises some intriguing questions and could revive the rivalry between President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis over who is the real kingmaker in Florida

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UNF Poll: Housing, insurance costs among biggest concerns for Florida voters

Read full article: UNF Poll: Housing, insurance costs among biggest concerns for Florida voters

A new poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) asked more than 800 active registered voters across Florida what their biggest concerns were, and most said the cost of housing and insurance.

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Could Casey DeSantis and Byron Donalds face off in a Trump vs. DeSantis proxy battle for Florida governor?

Read full article: Could Casey DeSantis and Byron Donalds face off in a Trump vs. DeSantis proxy battle for Florida governor?

Florida's First Lady, Casey DeSantis, is reportedly contemplating a bid for governor in 2026, spurred by encouragement from top Republican donors. While speculation about her political ambitions has circulated for years, recent discussions at a donor event in Palm Beach County suggest the possibility is becoming more concrete.

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Snow in Florida: Videos show snowfall in Sunshine State as winter storm hits

Read full article: Snow in Florida: Videos show snowfall in Sunshine State as winter storm hits

The Sunshine State is preparing to face its first winter storm since 1989, and parts of the Florida Panhandle have already begun to see snow accumulate on the ground, and social media users throughout the state have already started to post videos and images capturing the rare occurrence.

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Florida Dems chair accuses DeSantis of ‘illegal campaign activity,’ claims that’s why marijuana initiative failed

Read full article: Florida Dems chair accuses DeSantis of ‘illegal campaign activity,’ claims that’s why marijuana initiative failed

Amendment 3, which would’ve legalized the use of recreational marijuana in Florida, failed Tuesday after it fell short of the 60% threshold needed for its approval.

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‘Nothing appeals to children’: Trulieve wants to set the record straight about anti-pot ads

Read full article: ‘Nothing appeals to children’: Trulieve wants to set the record straight about anti-pot ads

One new anti-pot ad boasts that weed is packaged like candy and could endanger children. That sent the CEO of one of the biggest marijuana companies in Florida and the nation on a mission to “set the record straight.”

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Casey DeSantis, Florida surgeon general, Polk County sheriff speak out against marijuana amendment

Read full article: Casey DeSantis, Florida surgeon general, Polk County sheriff speak out against marijuana amendment

Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis along with the Florida surgeon general and the sheriff of Polk County are speaking out against Amendment 3, which would legalize marijuana in the state if it is approved in November.

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‘Activate Hope’ expansion of Hope Florida program focuses on emergency response to disasters

Read full article: ‘Activate Hope’ expansion of Hope Florida program focuses on emergency response to disasters

A new expansion of the Hope Florida program called “Activate Hope” will serve Floridians recovering from the impacts of disasters, Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Wednesday.

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Gov. DeSantis, first lady hold news conference in Tampa

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, first lady hold news conference in Tampa

Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday in Tampa.

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There's no sign of widespread COVID-19 mandates in the US. Republicans are warning of them anyway

Read full article: There's no sign of widespread COVID-19 mandates in the US. Republicans are warning of them anyway

Republicans are responding to a late summer spike in COVID-19 by raising familiar fears that government-issued lockdowns and mask mandates are on the horizon.

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In the pivotal South Carolina primary, Republican candidates search for a path against Donald Trump

Read full article: In the pivotal South Carolina primary, Republican candidates search for a path against Donald Trump

Several campaigns are placing a huge emphasis on South Carolina, where the Republican primary is traditionally the last chance for many White House hopefuls to break through before Super Tuesday.

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100-year-old oak tree falls on Florida Governor’s Mansion

Read full article: 100-year-old oak tree falls on Florida Governor’s Mansion

As Hurricane Idalia blew through the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, the storm toppled a 100-year-old oak tree, according to Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis.

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Meet the influential new player on transgender health bills

Read full article: Meet the influential new player on transgender health bills

A nonprofit that describes itself as a collection of doctors and others uniting to “protect healthcare from a radical, divisive, and discriminatory ideology” has become a significant presence in statehouses.

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Gov. DeSantis’ international trip is a trade mission with a presidential feel

Read full article: Gov. DeSantis’ international trip is a trade mission with a presidential feel

The second international trade mission for Governor Ron DeSantis is raising questions about what the trip means for Floridians and who is paying for the 4-nation tour.

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During Jacksonville stop, First Lady Casey DeSantis announces more than $45M raised for Florida Disaster Fund

Read full article: During Jacksonville stop, First Lady Casey DeSantis announces more than $45M raised for Florida Disaster Fund

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis was in Jacksonville on Monday to talk about Hurricane Ian relief.

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DeSantis awards over $2 million in small business loans to help those impacted by Ian

Read full article: DeSantis awards over $2 million in small business loans to help those impacted by Ian

Gov. DeSantis made three major announcements about restoration updates Monday morning alongside other state officials at the Charlotte County Disaster Recovery Center in Port Charlotte.

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Tervis releases special edition tumbler with all proceeds going to Florida Disaster Fund

Read full article: Tervis releases special edition tumbler with all proceeds going to Florida Disaster Fund

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the partnership on Friday.

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Here’s how Publix, Walmart, Target & other big companies are helping Floridians affected by Ian

Read full article: Here’s how Publix, Walmart, Target & other big companies are helping Floridians affected by Ian

Companies across the nation are assisting Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian.

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Florida Disaster Fund supports communities impacted by Ian

Read full article: Florida Disaster Fund supports communities impacted by Ian

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Wednesday the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support the communities impacted by Ian.

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70,000 people are diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year. Here’s what you should know

Read full article: 70,000 people are diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year. Here’s what you should know

Just like other cancers, there’s a ton of unknowns but early detection is key to beating it.

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Security costs for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, family increase

Read full article: Security costs for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, family increase

The costs of protecting Gov. Ron DeSantis, his family, the governor’s mansion and visiting dignitaries were up more than 25% during the past year, according to a new state report.

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First Lady kicks off Burmese python hunt in Florida Everglades

Read full article: First Lady kicks off Burmese python hunt in Florida Everglades

Florida’s annual Python Challenge began Friday at 8 a.m., and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Everglades Airboat Expeditions in Miami to help kick off the hunt, which runs through 5 p.m. Aug. 14.

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First Lady Casey DeSantis announces launch of website providing resources for Floridians with cancer

Read full article: First Lady Casey DeSantis announces launch of website providing resources for Floridians with cancer

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Jacksonville on Wednesday to announce the launch of a website to help Floridians who have cancer and their loved ones navigate coverage and find providers, treatment options, nonprofits and other resources for day-to-day life.

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Eligibility? Application? Arrival time? Here’s what to know about $450 checks for Florida families

Read full article: Eligibility? Application? Arrival time? Here’s what to know about $450 checks for Florida families

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

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Casey DeSantis launches program to recruit veterans to become DCF investigators

Read full article: Casey DeSantis launches program to recruit veterans to become DCF investigators

First Lady Casey DeSantis on Wednesday morning announced a new state initiative to recruit military veterans to work for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

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Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis now cancer-free, governor says

Read full article: Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis now cancer-free, governor says

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that his wife, Casey, is now cancer-free following treatment and surgery for breast cancer.

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Casey DeSantis highlights governor’s $100M proposal for cancer centers during Jacksonville visit

Read full article: Casey DeSantis highlights governor’s $100M proposal for cancer centers during Jacksonville visit

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis on Thursday visited Nemours Specialty Care Clinic in Jacksonville, speaking about childhood cancer in a roundtable discussion.

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‘Big milestone’: Casey DeSantis completes final chemotherapy treatment

Read full article: ‘Big milestone’: Casey DeSantis completes final chemotherapy treatment

Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis completed her final chemotherapy treatment on Wednesday and is doing well. Casey has been battling breast cancer since late last year.

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DeSantis on first lady’s cancer fight: ‘We’re not out of the woods’

Read full article: DeSantis on first lady’s cancer fight: ‘We’re not out of the woods’

Months after announcing that his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, was facing a battle with breast cancer, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave a brief update on her fight during a news conference Friday in Lake Butler.

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$12 million increase for Florida first responder mental health services

Read full article: $12 million increase for Florida first responder mental health services

First resonders across Florida will have access to peer-to-peer counseling.

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‘I’m sure as hell not giving up’: Casey DeSantis makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis

Read full article: ‘I’m sure as hell not giving up’: Casey DeSantis makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis

Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis made her first public appearance this weekend nearly two weeks after announcing that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

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🔒 Like Casey DeSantis, Donna Deegan was 1st diagnosed with cancer at young age

Read full article: 🔒 Like Casey DeSantis, Donna Deegan was 1st diagnosed with cancer at young age

Donna Deegan is a three-time breast cancer survivor.

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‘I have faith’: Gov. DeSantis speaks openly for 1st time about wife’s breast cancer diagnosis

Read full article: ‘I have faith’: Gov. DeSantis speaks openly for 1st time about wife’s breast cancer diagnosis

Florida first lady Casey DeSantis has breast cancer.

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First Lady Casey DeSantis resigns from Florida Children and Youth Cabinet following breast cancer diagnosis

Read full article: First Lady Casey DeSantis resigns from Florida Children and Youth Cabinet following breast cancer diagnosis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced the resignation of First Lady Casey DeSantis as chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet following his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis.

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Support pours in for Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis as she battles breast cancer

Read full article: Support pours in for Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis as she battles breast cancer

Republican and Democratic leaders put partisanship aside during an outpouring of support for Mrs. DeSantis on social media.

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Florida governor’s wife, Casey DeSantis, diagnosed with breast cancer

Read full article: Florida governor’s wife, Casey DeSantis, diagnosed with breast cancer

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that his wife, Casey, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

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Education board approves new school standards

Read full article: Education board approves new school standards

During an at-times heated meeting on Wednesday, the State Board of Education adopted new curriculum standards for civics, government and Holocaust education, along with updates to other subject areas.

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Florida first lady launches effort to teach resiliency

Read full article: Florida first lady launches effort to teach resiliency

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis on Friday announced the launch of a new initiative to teach public school students about resiliency and perseverance with the assistance of athletes from professional sports teams from around the state. Pro athletes from Florida's NFL, MLB, NHL, NASCAR and professional soccer teams have been enlisted for public service announcements and outreach to schools to provide a message that sometimes life gives you knocks but you have can work to overcome them, DeSantis said at a news conference at the Amway Center, where the Orlando Magic play. A goal is to help overcome some of the stigma students associate with admitting to having mental health problems and reframe that narrative into one of resiliency and hope, said DeSantis, who has made mental health issues a priority in her work as the state's first lady. “We know that no one is immune to adversity and hardship," she said. AdThe initiative will make available curricula that teachers can use to teach about perseverance and also enlist the athletes to spread the message about the importance of resiliency.

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Florida education commissioner says distance learning will continue into next year

Read full article: Florida education commissioner says distance learning will continue into next year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida students will be able to continue to learn remotely through the second half of the school year as the state grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said Wednesday. The Florida Education Association teachers union sued the state in July after Corcoran ordered school districts to offer in-person instruction when the 2020-2021 school year began. Corcoran told the state education board Wednesday that he expects to release another order addressing the pandemic by the end of this month. The Florida Education Association is asking the full court to reconsider the ruling, even as schools across the state have resumed in-person instruction. “We have not yet made that determination,” said Jason Wheeler, Community Information Specialist for Flagler County Schools.

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After record mail & early voting, Florida braces for Election Day

Read full article: After record mail & early voting, Florida braces for Election Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Floridians have shattered records for both early and in-person early voting this year. Records were shattered in both vote-by-mail and early, on-site voting in Florida and ballots cast represent 93% of all votes received in 2016. Turnout comparisonVoting by mail isn’t as popular in Jacksonville and neighboring counties as in South Florida, but early voting exceeded 2016 everywhere. Given President Donald Trump’s continuing yet unfounded warning of massing mail voting fraud, Republican voters could well outnumber Democrats on Election Day, as well. Any voters with spoiled mail ballots because of signature or other issues have until 5 p.m. Thursday to fix them.

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First Lady Casey DeSantis makes case for in-person learning

Read full article: First Lady Casey DeSantis makes case for in-person learning

Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis used this week’s Children and Youth Cabinet to lay out the case for a full return to classroom learning. DeSantis says the science supports the move to bring students back to school. “The CDC released data showing that children ages 19 and younger have a 99.997 percent survivability rate,” DeSantis said. When schools were closed in April, Florida’s Child Abuse Hotline saw a 38-percent decline in calls. “She took me home and met my mom and saw the situation," Adams said.

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2 years after Michael, Florida Panhandle recovery goes on

Read full article: 2 years after Michael, Florida Panhandle recovery goes on

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Much of the blue tarps that covered the battered homes across Florida’s Panhandle are gone, as the scars from Hurricane Michael two years ago begin to fade. And the state added a mental health coordinator as a component in its disaster recovery efforts. In addition to expanding mental health services, the new funding will be used to build playgrounds and rebuild preschools still awaiting help. Hurricane Michael damaged an estimated 60,000 homes. “The Florida Education Association has long called on the governor and lawmakers to fully invest in mental health professionals for our public school students,” Spar said.

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Pandemic placing strain on Floridians’ mental health

Read full article: Pandemic placing strain on Floridians’ mental health

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida is facing a mental health storm as a result of the pandemic. The state’s Children and Youth Cabinet was told Wednesday the pandemic has also changed how people are receiving mental health treatment. We attribute it to on going engagement via tele-health,” Joiner said. First Lady Casey DeSantis, who chairs the Cabinet, has championed children’s mental health following Hurricane Michael. 1 question she gets from parents is how to identify mental health issues.

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Pandemic revealing gaps in Florida’s mental health resources

Read full article: Pandemic revealing gaps in Florida’s mental health resources

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s child abuse hotlines saw a sharp drop off in calls while schools were closed due to the pandemic, but mental health calls increased. Florida’s First Lady and mental health experts from around the state are looking at ways to address the mental health problem, especially in areas with poor access to services. The Legislature included $100 million for school mental health in this year’s budget. Mental health experts said similar or even increased funding may be necessary for the coming year to respond to the long-term impacts of the pandemic. If you are struggling, please call the suicide hotline at 800-273-8255 or dial 211 to be connected with a local mental health care provider.

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Money to aid mental health services for children in Florida

Read full article: Money to aid mental health services for children in Florida

The Florida Department of Education is making $2 million available to rural counties across the state to increase access to telehealth to provide mental-health services for schoolchildren. “I’m excited today to announce to 18 of the rural counties across the state of Florida we’ll be issuing $2 million to those rural districts to help students there increase access to tele- and mental-health services,” Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis said during a Monday news conference at the governor’s mansion. The money is available from federal CARES Act stimulus funding and will be directed to rural counties that have lower rates of internet connectivity and have limited access to health-care professionals. “The bridge that we have created with tele-mental health ensures that that door is opened that much more quickly.” Mayhew said. Monday’s announcement was lauded by Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities.

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Governor DeSantis, wife welcome 3rd child to family

Read full article: Governor DeSantis, wife welcome 3rd child to family

They welcomed a baby girl into the world, Casey DeSantis announced on Monday. “Ron and I are beyond blessed to welcome our new baby girl, Mamie to the world,” the announcement said. “She was the smallest of the bunch, but she is already holding her own,” Casey DeSantis said. “I did not go into the delivery room because I didn’t want to burn PPE,” DeSantis said. “You know, it was kind of a sad thing, but my wife and I both felt that was the right thing to do.

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Florida first lady announces mental health coordinator for disaster recovery

Read full article: Florida first lady announces mental health coordinator for disaster recovery

On Wednesday, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management has hired Darcy Abbott as the first Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator in Floridas history. The First Lady made the announcement atTALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A longtime administrator at two Florida health care agencies has been named the state's first mental-health coordinator for recovery efforts after natural disasters, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Wednesday. "The distress a disaster can have on residents is just as impactful as the physical destruction left behind, and we will continue to provide much-needed support as we develop and implement various mental health services." She will help coordinate mental health services for people impacted by the storm. "Hurricane Michael created a mental health crisis in the Panhandle at the magnitude this state has never experienced before.

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Florida's next Senate president puts focus on businesses, water, children

Read full article: Florida's next Senate president puts focus on businesses, water, children

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Shortly after Trilby Republican Wilton Simpson was formally elected Tuesday as Florida's next Senate president, he characterized himself as a farmer and an entrepreneur --- and not a politician. Simpson will succeed President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, after the November 2020 elections and will hold one of the most powerful political jobs in Florida. One thing he would like to see fixed in the foster care system is cutting down the waiting time for qualified parents to adopt children. He also wants to keep children from bouncing from foster home to foster home. When Simpson takes over as president, his counterpart as House speaker will be Palm Harbor Republican Chris Sprowls.

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Schools to report on substance abuse instruction

Read full article: Schools to report on substance abuse instruction

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida public school officials will be required to report to the state their methods of teaching students about substance abuse every year, under a new mandate approved by the state Board of Education on Wednesday. From the time they enter kindergarten to the moment they graduate high school, Florida students are required to take classes on substance use and abuse, according to state law. But Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said his department needs a rule requiring schools to report their plans to the state, to ensure they are meeting the instruction mandate. All we are doing is requiring them to report it, Corcoran said. They dont have to come up with something new.Under the new rule, school districts must report their plans to the Florida Department of Education every year, and explain how they will teach students about youth substance use and abuse.

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Execution to keep Florida first lady away from Trump rally

Read full article: Execution to keep Florida first lady away from Trump rally

Ron DeSantis will keep First Lady Casey DeSantis from a campaign rally for President Donald Trump, according to the governors office. On Monday, Trumps re-election team sent out an advisory that Florida's First Lady would be joining former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway as the featured speakers at a Women For Trump campaign rally scheduled Thursday in Tampa. But the governors office noted later Monday that Casey DeSantis will not be able to attend the rally, as the event is being held shortly after the scheduled 6 p.m. execution of Death Row inmate Gary Ray Bowles. DeSantis signed the warrant for Bowles death on June 11, nineteen days after serial killer Bobby Joe Long was put to death at Florida State Prison. The event is also part of a series of "Trump Victory Leadership Initiatives" the same day, focused on registering voters ahead of the 2020 elections.

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Security spending up for governor, dignitaries

Read full article: Security spending up for governor, dignitaries

The report doesnt outline how the security details were manned or operated, and doesn't break down the spending on each governor. The spending is topped by $3.05 million for the salary of law enforcement officers who provided security for the governor, and $596,349 for costs tied to transportation. Scott, the wealthiest governor in Florida history, used his personal aircraft to travel. Another $37,461 was spent providing security for the first family, and $236,949 was spent to man the governors mansion and grounds, according to the records. And the state spent more than $8,000 providing security during eight visits to Florida by former Puerto Rico Gov.

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Florida will require mental health education

Read full article: Florida will require mental health education

Phil Walter/Getty ImagesTALAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida will become the third state in the US to require students to learn more about mental health, behind Virginia and New York. The Florida State Board of Education voted on Wednesday to require public schools to provide students in grades six and above a minimum of five hours of mental health education annually. It's no secret that mental illness robs students of the ability to reach their full potential, and we are joining forces to combat this disease and give our students the tools they need to thrive," Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said. The mandate is in partnership with Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis' initiative Hope for Healing Florida, which is a website that compiles mental health resources for students and parents. Ron DeSantis allocated to the Mental Health Assistance Allocation for Florida schools in his 2020 budget.

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Florida makes mental health classes mandatory in public schools

Read full article: Florida makes mental health classes mandatory in public schools

Providing mental health instruction is another important step forward in supporting our families.Under the new rule, school districts will be able to choose the types of classes children will be required to take, according to Department of Education spokeswoman Cheryl Etters. When asked in late June if the department had done an analysis on whether the new, five-hour instruction requirement would have an impact on time management for other required instruction, Etters did not offer a comment. Rick Scott, said mental health education will be a useful tool for all students. Obviously, this is going to help students who are currently suffering from mental health issues, you know, thoughts of suicide, attempts of suicide. Corcoran suggested more changes related to mental health awareness are in store for Floridas education system, calling the new rule just the beginning.It is going to be a life-saver and it will reduce the stigma, Corcoran said.

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Florida's first lady holds session on mental health at First Coast High

Read full article: Florida's first lady holds session on mental health at First Coast High

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis was in Jacksonville on Monday to talk about her Hope for Healing Florida campaign, which strives to help Floridians struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. DeSantis was joined by other school leaders at First Coast High School as she held a listening session on those issues. Later this week, as part of the initiative, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran will present a rule that would require five hours of mental health training in schools for grades six through 12. State leaders said the training would also include mental health first aid. DeSantis also held a second listening session Monday at the Hanley Foundation in West Palm Beach.

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